Proverbs 25:3

3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Proverbs 25:3 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
The Message Bible (MSG)
3 Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.
American Standard Version (ASV)
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
3 [Like] the high heavens and the deep earth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
3 As the heaven is high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
3 The heavens are high and the earth is deep. In the same way, the minds of kings are hard to figure out.

Proverbs 25:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:3

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth
These are eminent for what are ascribed to them; nothing is higher than the heavens, nor anything deeper than the earth; the height of the heavens cannot be reached, and the centre of the earth cannot easily be got unto; the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundation of the earth cannot be searched beneath; at least not by common persons, whatever may be done in their way by astronomers and geometricians. And thus, as the heavens and the earth are immeasurable, ( Jeremiah 31:37 ) ; so the heart of kings [is] unsearchable;
especially such an one as Solomon was, who had largeness of heart as the sand on the seashore: and this must be understood of such who have the art of governing; for some are so weak in their conduct, and so much expose themselves, that it is easy to see what is in their hearts, and what are the springs of their actions. Wise princes lay their schemes deep, and conceal their designs, and keep their reasons of state secret, so that it is not an easy thing to penetrate into their councils and views: for this does not so much respect the multitude of business they have upon their hearts and hands, as Jarchi and others understand it, as the privacy and secrecy in which they are managed, and the reasons of which are kept from common persons, Who therefore are not proper judges of them; and who yet will often take upon them to censure and condemn, when they are ignorant of the true cause of such conduct.

Proverbs 25:3 In-Context

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
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